[Seated Elderly Woman Wearing Plaid Dress and Bonnet] 1854 - 1860

This daguerreotype depicting a seated elderly woman in a plaid dress and bonnet was made by William Hardy Kent. Though undated, it would have been created sometime in the mid-19th century, in America, during the early years of photography. This image, with its formal pose and attention to detail in clothing, offers a window into the culture of the era. The daguerreotype process itself, requiring long exposure times and specialized equipment, suggests a certain level of social status on the part of the sitter. Her plaid dress and bonnet, while seemingly simple, speak to the fashion and social norms of the time. The meticulously crafted frame further emphasizes the value placed on this image as a keepsake or status symbol. The creation and consumption of such images reflect broader social and economic structures of 19th-century America, including the rise of a middle class with disposable income and a desire for personal representation. By studying photographs such as this, alongside census records, fashion plates, and other archival materials, we can gain a deeper understanding of the lives and values of those who came before us.